Future; Which will be coolest phone for 2013?

[Tig Bitties]

What do you all expect, or predict for the best smartphones of 2013 ? Not just sales wise, but your most anticipated release, or coolest features ?

I just bought my Note 2 last month, running on Straight Talk ATT, and I love this phone, amazing battery life, huge screen, very fast. To me the Note 2 is hands down the best phone of 2012 in my opinion. Looking forward to what 2013 brings us

- Samsung Galaxy S IV will be a big release, very curious the design Samsung goes with this phone ? Still removable battery, and external sd/card ? Or will they follow everyone, and move to a fix case ? And what will Tocuhwiz 6.0 be like compared to the current TW 5.0 ? It will be based off Jellybean 4.2, as Key Lime Pie is due to be announced until Google I/O in May, and released ?

- iPhone 5S/6 ? Will Apple do a major revamp with iOS7 like the rumors say ? Will they offer two sizes for once, a 4", and a larger 4.7" ? They have two different sizes for the iPad, so I could see Apple eventually offering two different szies of iPhones ?

- Nexus-Five for me is a very anticipated release. Hopefully not another LG made phone, would like to see HTC get back into it, or even Sony. And even bigger is to see what Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie will be doing ?

- Galaxy Note 3 for me, is most likely my next phone. But curious what OS version it will be running ? I know the Galaxy S IV will be Jellybean 4.2 based with all new TW 6.0 But the Note series is typically a Fall release, and Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie will be out by then, so will the Note 3 be a Android 5.0 based OS ?

- Goorola X phone = The Google & Motorola companies finally teamed up together, creating some SuperPhone. Rumors say it will be a 5" screen, with the MAXX battery, in a thin case, running Android 5.0, released on call carriers at the same time, but also be sold on the Play Store. It will not be named a "Nexus" device, but supposedly very close to a Nexus type of phone, with a little bit of carrier bloatware included. Rumors point to it being released June/July.

- Windows Phone ? Is there a Windows Phone 9 due out this Fall ?

 

[TacticalDesire]

Nexus 5 with 5.0

 

[Tig Bitties]

Motorola X Phone Said to be a “Game Changer” With Software Never Seen Before in a Phone
http://www.droid-life.com/2013/02/1...r-with-software-never-seen-before-in-a-phone/

According to SmartHouse, Telstra CTO Hugh Bradlow has been quoted as saying the Motorola X Phone is a “real breakthrough, a game changer that will put pressure on Samsung and Apple.” We’ve been over the specs X Phone is rumored to include in previous posts, the low price point it’s rumored to sit at, and it’s wide availability options, but it seems Google’s real first device will have an even bigger advantage against the competition.

The Motorola X Phone will provide a Google service experience like no other device before it. Combined with Android Key Lime Pie, this is the first device Google has ever had complete total control over. And it’s going to show. Exactly what this means, we aren’t quite sure yet. But there’s a good chance there’s going to be a big difference between a Nexus device, intended to showcase the latest version of Android, and the X Phone, intended to showcase just what Google can do.

A Google I/O unveiling of Android 5.0, the all new next generation Android OS, will be announced in May, and a July phone release have started to become standard information attached to rumors.

 

[Wide opeN]

This will easily be the best year on record for smartphones, that is probably why I won't be upgrading at least until the 3rd quarter. The new Sony, M7, S4, Note 3, Nexus 5 and the Google X phone all make for compelling choices!!! I will definitely be patient and keep my options open.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I think Sony is poised to get the 5th generation Nexus this year. Early prediction.

To answer the OP, I think obviously the S4, the Note III, and the Motorola Phone X are ones to keep a real close eye on, especially and obviously the S4 and Note III. I'm telling you, while Samsung had a good 2012, they could potentially blow 2012 out of the water in 2013 if they play their cards right with the S4/Note III.

On a more second tier level, there are the Xperia Z (which may or may not show up stateside with LTE...) and the HTC One (aka M7) -- I think these guys will have their own smaller successes and fans.

Yet another tier below could be the BB Z10, which I think will appease only the die-hard BB users. It'll attract few others. There are also Nokia's Windows 8 phones, which I think will continue to gain momentum, but not steal very much away from Android/Apple. I personally think people will tire of the tiles after a while. They're aesthetically novel, but personally don't think they're much more than that.

And the iPhone 5S will be a hot phone in its own typical Apple way separate from these guys. What has far more potential to be a super hot phone for Apple, though, is the rumored larger iPhone. That would be something that could rock the world. And if they can pull off the changes people want for iOS 7... look out.

 

[marc11]

I think Sony is poised to get the 5th generation Nexus this year. Early prediction.

To answer the OP, I think obviously the S4, the Note III, and the Motorola Phone X are ones to keep a real close eye on, especially and obviously the S4 and Note III. I'm telling you, while Samsung had a good 2012, they could potentially blow 2012 out of the water in 2013 if they play their cards right with the S4/Note III.

On a more second tier level, there are the Xperia Z (which may or may not show up stateside with LTE...) and the HTC One (aka M7) -- I think these guys will have their own smaller successes and fans.

Yet another tier below could be the BB Z10, which I think will appease only the die-hard BB users. It'll attract few others. There are also Nokia's Windows 8 phones, which I think will continue to gain momentum, but not steal very much away from Android/Apple. I personally think people will tire of the tiles after a while. They're aesthetically novel, but personally don't think they're much more than that.

And the iPhone 5S will be a hot phone in its own typical Apple way separate from these guys. What has far more potential to be a super hot phone for Apple, though, is the rumored larger iPhone. That would be something that could rock the world. And if they can pull off the changes people want for iOS 7... look out.

I do not think we will see the larger iPhone and iOS 7 this year, maybe at the end of the year, but I am thinking it is next years phone. Just a guess; I think Apple will milk the 5s and some small upgrades to iOS 6 this year.

I think the new Sony phone and SIV are going to be the hot phones this year, unless Samsung does something stupid and changes all the things that made the SIII popular.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Either the Goorola phone or a Lumia. I feel like the iPhone is on the way out, unless Apple pulls a rabbit out of its hat with iOS 7.

 

[matttye]

Probably the S4, given Samsungs excellent track record with their galaxy S devices.

 

[kdarling]

I'm hoping the Galaxy Q foldable phone / tablet comes out.

I'm always trying to show my wife the latest pictures of the kids/grandkids on my phone, but her eyesight is getting worse and she refuses to carry reading glasses.

I'd love to be able to flip open the phone to make a huge screen for her or anyone else, for my web surfing, for viewing Flipboard, and even for navigation at times.

 

[matttye]

I'm hoping the Galaxy Q foldable phone / tablet comes out.

I'm always trying to show my wife the latest pictures of the kids/grandkids on my phone, but her eyesight is getting worse and she refuses to carry reading glasses.

I'd love to be able to flip open the phone to make a huge screen for her or anyone else, for my web surfing, for viewing Flipboard, and even for navigation at times.

Looks cool but I hope it's not called galaxy Q

 

[vikingjunior]

Instead of Motorola X (which is a cheesy name) I would like to see it called the Chrome phone to go along with the Chrome book. This name would separate it from the rest of the pack. Chrome is a household name that the masses can relate to.

 

[b166er]

Well, I personally will never buy a Motorola phone ever again. I think the Sony's look nice but they didn't really do it for me. For 2013, I am most excited to see what Samsung does with the S4 and the Note 3.

I am eager to see if Apple even bothers making an effort with iOS 7 and the next iPhone. Apple could do insane things this year, if they so desired, but I have a feeling we will be seeing iOS 4 version 4 and the iPhone 4S version 3.

And then I always keep tabs on Nokia because they have always made the most durable phones since basically the beginning of pocket friendly phones.

 

[stevensr123]

My next phone will probably be the one with the best build quality, I have a sg3 at the moment and I love it, it's the best phone I have ever had, but I fancy a phone that looks beautiful, feels beautiful and makes me go wow, on top of stunning performance.

I'm tempted next month to get the Sony experia z when it comes to australia on telstra ( by upgrading) or waiting to see see what Samsung comes up with.

Don't think I could wait another 3 or so months to see what googles Motorola phone is like.

I will also see what htc bring this time, I have never really liked htcs android ui so I will see what changes they make.

Either way I'm super excited to see how things change

 

[Tig Bitties]

I still feel like the best Android phone, is yet to come, but that this year 2013, we will finally get it.

Mainly talking battery life, I have the Note II, and it's awesome, with amazing battery life, but the n2 is not for everyone, it's larger size, and Touchwiz skin might turn people away.

I want Google to create a stock "Nexus" type phone, with the MAXX battery tech ( 3100mh battery size ) that can have battery life to last 24+ hours on 4G LTE, run the latest Android OS, be very thin and lightweight, so it can fit in your top shirt pocket and barley be felt, have a good size screen @ 4.7", not large, but not small.

Rumors I read about the brand new, next generation Android 5.0 "Key Lime Pie" are, that battery life, and OS efficiency are a major factor in this upcoming release.

And that it will be like 4.0 ICS, in regards to being so different than the previous OS, most "normal" phones still running Jellybean, won't see the 5.0 update for many many months, if at all. Most will just have to release new flagship phone with 5.0 "Key Lime Pie" created for that specific phone, as updates just won't be good enough.

But same thing happened with Android 4.0 ICS, even the CM Cyanogen Mod team had a ton of work to do to get CM9 ready for everyone, took a good few months for that release to come out. I expect the same for CM11, from official Android 5.0 release on the new Nexus, to a CM11 nightly on your non Nexus phone, I bet is 3 - 4 month wait. Don't hold your breath for Android 5.0 on your non Nexus phone anytime soon, it will be a very long wait.

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Regarding above;
What will the Note 3 be running OS wise ? The N3 is due for a Fall release, and Android 5.0 KLP, is supposed to be announced in May, at Google I/O, and rumored for a June / July release, on Nexus devices ONLY. Will Samsung give us 5.0 KLP OS on the Note 3, or still be based off the Galaxy S IV OS, which will be Touchwiz 6.0 and Jellybean 4.2 based ?

I guess, I will be disappointed if the Note 3 releases late this year in October still being 4.2 Jellybean OS, while the brand new 5.0 Key Lime Pie OS, will already be out for the past several months on the Nexus devices. Here's hoping Google makes Nexus-Note phone

How will the Galaxy S4 play out ? The upcoming S4 will be the most popular and best selling Android phone of 2013. But it will be running a soon to be out dated, last generation OS. The Galaxy S4 is due to be released in May/June, and will be running Jellybean 4.2 with Touchwiz 6.0. But not even two months later, the brand new next generation Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie will be released on Nexus devices ONLY. But then eventually newer non Nexus phones will come out with 5.0 KLP, but what about phones launched with 4.2 JB like the Galaxy S4 ? How long will that wait be ? A couple months, six months, or even a year later, which then your better off getting the Galaxy S5 running 5.2 Liquorice

 

[jrswizzle]

Instead of Motorola X (which is a cheesy name) I would like to see it called the Chrome phone to go along with the Chrome book. This name would separate it from the rest of the pack. Chrome is a household name that the masses can relate to.

The problem there (and I'd reckon the difference between this "super phone" and the Nexus line) is Motorola's brand. I'd say even though Google bought them, they still want (and maybe Google does too) want a phone with the "Motorola" branding out there in the wild - hence why it won't be a "Nexus", though close.

----------

Well, I personally will never buy a Motorola phone ever again. I think the Sony's look nice but they didn't really do it for me. For 2013, I am most excited to see what Samsung does with the S4 and the Note 3.

I am eager to see if Apple even bothers making an effort with iOS 7 and the next iPhone. Apple could do insane things this year, if they so desired, but I have a feeling we will be seeing iOS 4 version 4 and the iPhone 4S version 3.

And then I always keep tabs on Nokia because they have always made the most durable phones since basically the beginning of pocket friendly phones.

I think pinning all your hopes on iOS7 and the "iPhone 5S" is a mistake......

It's possible Ive and Co. have had time to do their magic with iOS7, but equally as plausible they simply were caught in the middle and could only do so much. And if Apple's history is any indication, the 5S shouldn't look any different than the 5, except for the obligatory spec bumps.....

And all of this is OK.

For me - being the Apple die-hard I am, I'll probably always stick with Apple, unless the phones become unusable for my needs. As it is right now I use my Nexus 4 about the same as my iP5 save for a few widgets and occasionally gesture typing. But to me - iOS8/iPhone 6 is where to draw the line (for those of you wanting to give up on Apple). If certain advancements aren't made by then (the second larger iPhone model, UI adjustments to iOS, etc.), that is when you have my permission to jump off the bandwagon.

But at least give it until then so you can say you've made a legitimate decision......

Of course, none of this applies if Android truly is your OS of choice - I'm strictly speaking to those who use Apple but are now starting to give up on them because they aren't "innovating" enough (which is a laughable concept but whatever).

FWIW - I believe Apple will not only meet expectations by iOS8 and the iPhone 6, but exceed them and cement their spot at the top - because remember, despite all this hooing and hawing about them falling off the Apple maps, they did take the top spot for marketshare in the US from Samsung for the first time since 2008...

 

[Sylon]

That new LG that was announced last night looks pretty damn spiffy, the Optimus G Pro. Basically a beefed up Note 2. I think I might add it to my list of possible phones I might upgrade to this summer. I really want to see what Samsung comes out with. There will be so many phones to choose from when it's time for me to upgrade.

 

[daveathall]

Besides the Galaxy S4 and Note 3, there are/will be some stunning releases from Sony and I am intrigued as to what the next Nexus will bring, I think that Apple will wait till next year for something special, this year however, IMHO it will be a 5S, certainly will be a great year (2013) for new phones. I can't wait.

Edit; I just noticed Sylon's post above. I dismissed LG as a phone manufacturer for some time, but my experiences with my Nexus 4 have all been positive, I may look at their phablet offering with interest.

 

[zbarvian]

I still feel like the best Android phone, is yet to come, but that this year 2013, we will finally get it.

Mainly talking battery life, I have the Note II, and it's awesome, with amazing battery life, but the n2 is not for everyone, it's larger size, and Touchwiz skin might turn people away.

I want Google to create a stock "Nexus" type phone, with the MAXX battery tech ( 3100mh battery size ) that can have battery life to last 24+ hours on 4G LTE, run the latest Android OS, be very thin and lightweight, so it can fit in your top shirt pocket and barley be felt, have a good size screen @ 4.7", not large, but not small.

Rumors I read about the brand new, next generation Android 5.0 "Key Lime Pie" are, that battery life, and OS efficiency are a major factor in this upcoming release.

I too hope for a ~3000 mah battery, but having that in a thin and light case is physically impossible. The Razr Maxx has historically been a bit chunky. Where did you hear that about Android 5.0?

 

[Tig Bitties]

I too hope for a ~3000 mah battery, but having that in a thin and light case is physically impossible. The Razr Maxx has historically been a bit chunky. Where did you hear that about Android 5.0?

I read so many tech sites, can't remember where I get all the news It was recently though, someone stating that 5.0 KLP will focus will be "Project Battery", making long term battery life, and OS efficiency their #1 goal. Sort of like Project Butter was all about smoothing out the OS feel, and eliminating lag.

But who knows, could have been some BS rumor I read.

 

[jrswizzle]

I read so many tech sites, can't remember where I get all the news It was recently though, someone stating that 5.0 KLP will focus will be "Project Battery", making long term battery life, and OS efficiency their #1 goal. Sort of like Project Butter was all about smoothing out the OS feel, and eliminating lag.

But who knows, could have been some BS rumor I read.

Not to sound too fanboy-ish, but I find it kind of funny Google's two major initiatives (Project Butter and Project Battery) are centered around things Apple and iOS has done well for years.....

I hope, being the tech-minded folks you are, that you guys don't dismiss Apple just yet. The OS may be stale to some (which I really still don't understand), but Apple is second to none in getting the most efficiency and stability out of a relatively small and under powered package.

*PLEASE don't start a flame-war over my comments....I appreciate both (and all) platforms for what they offer and what they try to do - the audiences they try to reach.

 

[Tig Bitties]

Not to sound too fanboy-ish, but I find it kind of funny Google's two major initiatives (Project Butter and Project Battery) are centered around things Apple and iOS has done well for years.....

I hope, being the tech-minded folks you are, that you guys don't dismiss Apple just yet. The OS may be stale to some (which I really still don't understand), but Apple is second to none in getting the most efficiency and stability out of a relatively small and under powered package.

*PLEASE don't start a flame-war over my comments....I appreciate both (and all) platforms for what they offer and what they try to do - the audiences they try to reach.

I am amazed that the iPhone 5 with a measly 1400mh battery size, can get the same or even better battery life, than most Android phones with batteries 30% - 50% larger. Most Android phones are running battery sizes of between 1800mh - 2100mh, and are lucky to equal the battery life of the iPhone 5, most are worse, even though their batteries are far bigger.

It takes phones like the Note 2 to beat it, but it has a MASSIVE 3100mh battery, over 100% larger than that in the iPhone 5, of course it will get insane battery life.

 

[jrswizzle]

I am amazed that the iPhone 5 with a measly 1400mh battery size, can get the same or even better battery life, than most Android phones with batteries 30% - 50% larger. Most Android phones are running battery sizes of between 1800mh - 2100mh, and are lucky to equal the battery life of the iPhone 5, most are worse, even though their batteries are far bigger.

It takes phones like the Note 2 to beat it, but it has a MASSIVE 3100mh battery, over 100% larger than that in the iPhone 5, of course it will get insane battery life.

Exactly - Apple's wins have come in unseen technology advances. The iPhone 5 is a much bigger upgrade than people realize because all of the advancements took place under the hood....

Those who complain about iOS and Apple have to understand the philosophies of the two marketshare leaders - Apple has created iOS to blend into the background, allowing apps to be king. While Android lets the OS/UI shine, letting users customize to their hearts content with apps/experience being secondary.

There's nothing wrong with either philosophy - obviously both are extremely popular. Apple's is just most often misrepresented/misunderstood for lagging behind the times.....when the opposite is generally true.

Are there things I'd love to see Apple implement in future iPhones? Of course! There is ALWAYS room for improvement.

 

[Tig Bitties]

Exactly - Apple's wins have come in unseen technology advances. The iPhone 5 is a much bigger upgrade than people realize because all of the advancements took place under the hood....

Those who complain about iOS and Apple have to understand the philosophies of the two marketshare leaders - Apple has created iOS to blend into the background, allowing apps to be king. While Android lets the OS/UI shine, letting users customize to their hearts content with apps/experience being secondary.

There's nothing wrong with either philosophy - obviously both are extremely popular. Apple's is just most often misrepresented/misunderstood for lagging behind the times.....when the opposite is generally true.

Are there things I'd love to see Apple implement in future iPhones? Of course! There is ALWAYS room for improvement.

I used to be an iPhone guy, but the Android Nexus series won me over a few years ago, been with the first three Nexus phones, last few years. Now the Note II, which is quite amazing.

But I am open minded, and willing to go back to an iPhone, if they add these changes in the future;

- Larger screen, like 4.5"-4.7" or so
- Widgets allowed on the home screen
- LED Notification light like Blackberry has had forever
- Simple customization, without the need to jailbreak.

 

[SpyderBite]

Doesn't matter to me. If the next iPhone doesn't tickle my fancy, I'll just hang on to my 4s until it can no longer run the latest iOS.

As for iOS 7. I don't need a revolutionary revamp. Leave the navigation the same and add features as needed. I don't need my mom calling me to re-teach her how to use her iPhone.

 

[jrswizzle]

I used to be an iPhone guy, but the Android Nexus series won me over a few years ago, been with every Nexus the last three years. Now the Note II, which is quite amazing.

But I am open minded, and willing to go back to an iPhone, if they add these changes in the future;

- Larger screen, like 4.5" or so
- Widgets allowed on the home screen
- LED Notification light like Blackberry has had forever
- Simple customization, without the need to jailbreak.

I bolded the ones I think have a chance of happening - as I stated above, I just don't see widgets fitting into Apple's philosophy as far as iOS and apps go. Possibly some live-tiles (maybe weather, similar to the calendar app), but widgets would affect the efficiency, battery life and would go against the in-app experience reigning supreme.

That being said - the larger screen will happen and has likely been in production for the last few years. Apple typically plans 2-3 phones ahead, so you can bet the larger iPhone was in their minds around the time of the 4S release.

The LED notification light COULD happen, though Apple probably finds it sufficient they allow the flash to be used this way. I haven't found it all that convenient on my Nexus (often the LED is flashing and I can't figure out how to make it stop!), but it's innocuous enough to be thrown in if Apple deems it's a big enough selling feature.

The customization is the big bugaboo. Again, generally speaking, this goes against Apple's philosophy. However, things like changing the default browser, I believe will happen. Also I think Ive and Co. will do some different things with iOS that may open it up to a tad bit more customization....

Some things I think would still fit under Apple's "App-first" ideals:
-default app switching
-allowing apps to be placed anywhere on the springboard
-deletion of stock apps (and subsequent re-downloading via app store)
-some form of "live-tile", perhaps some added notification center widgets

I'm anxious to see what Ive rolls out in iOS7 and iOS8....for me, the hardware in the next iPhones isn't what I'm watching for (except for the size increase) - most phones have more power than necessary. The evolution of iOS will be interesting to see and will ultimately be what slows or propels Apple.